4 Comments:

One question that I always wanted to ask to those in Academia....Do you think that often timesstudents are more focused on scoring high on their tests, quizzes and any other activity worth a grade than actually learning the material being taught?I believe that trying to achieve a good grade does sometimes get in the way of learning, especially with course loads and a sense of"being lost".

I sometimes thought so back when we were studying studs at the ite...but for yers trooly, trying to serve the almighty GPA did somehow transform me into a lifelong learner...and since I now have to assign grades whether I want to or not, I can't spend much time worrying about whether the system is a good one or not. I'd still like to imagine, though, a place where students can learn without the pressure of grades...some day.

If you allow students to learn without some pressure, they will probably goof off and maybe not even take your class seriously. There is no incentive and besides, they have "better things to do". But on the flip side, I think colleges and universities put too much pressure some times. This causes the ITE phenomena of constant study. This causes a lot of tension and stress. You are trying to get an education in your field of study, not fighting insurgents in an extremely hostile, heavy combat situation.